The Parenthood and Happiness Link: Testing Predictions from Five Theories

This research studied the relationship between parenthood and life satisfaction in Switzerland. We tested predictions derived from set-point theory, the economic model of parenthood, the approaches that underscore work-family conflict and the psychological rewards from parenthood, and the 'taste for children' theory. We used Swiss Household Panel data (2000-2018) to analyse how life satisfaction changed during parenthood (fixed-effects regression) separately for a first child and a second child, mothers and fathers, and various socio-demographic groups. Our results showed that having a second child, which is common in Switzerland, correlates negatively with mothers' life satisfaction. The observed patterns are consistent with the idea that mothers' life satisfaction trajectories reflect work-family conflict. We found partial support for the set-point and the 'taste for children' theories. Our results did not support the approaches that emphasize the importance of psychological rewards from parenthood.